The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Calista cast a furtive glance toward Vivienne and murmured in a hushed voice, “Mom, please stop talking!”

She looked utterly heartbroken. Already beautiful, her crestfallen expression only amplified her appeal, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone who saw her.

Mila only had this one precious daughter, and seeing her suffer such indignity was more than she could bear. Her voice rose in volume, “Why shouldn’t I speak? I’m going to!”

She marched up to Vivienne, her anger palpable. “Vivienne, you’ve had it in for Calista from the start. Nothing she does pleases you, but she risked herself to save you today! Your attitude is utterly disgraceful!”

Vivienne raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression cool and detached, “And? Should I kneel and bow my head to her in gratitude?”

Mila was taken aback. “When did I ever ask you to kneel to her? Don’t twist my words. I’m saying, at the very least, you should say thank you.”

Judith, who had been silent up to this point, interjected with a disapproving tone, “Vivienne, your behavior is indeed deplorable. No matter what, Calista is your sister. Whatever grudges you had should be in the past. Today, she saved you because, despite everything, you share the same father. You don’t have to shower her with thanks, but a simple thank you is basic courtesy.”

Her gaze darkened as she continued, “Or has your mother never taught you any manners?”

Suddenly!

Vivienne’s eyes darkened, her presence turning icy. Beneath her haute couture gown, she stood regal as a queen bathed in sunlight, her radiance momentarily blinding.

She glanced at Judith with a chilling gaze, her voice flat as she said, “My mother is dead. You could try asking her in the afterlife how she raised me.”

Judith’s face soured instantly. “What kind of talk is that? As your grandmother, am I not allowed to speak for your own good? I remember your mother as a gracious and considerate woman, well-liked by the Brooks family. How is it that you’re so rude? You would do well to learn some life lessons from your mother.”

“Haha!” Vivienne laughed, dazzling yet like a poisonous flower capable of ensnaring one with a glance.

She looked up at Judith, her voice icy. “When Paula managed to steal Scott’s sperm, Judith, you played no small part. A person with a venomous heart, living a life of pretense, you dare teach me?”

nonsense are you spouting? Is

Percival interjected casually, hands in pockets, casting a cool glance at Judith.

The mere Brooks family!

not been for Vivienne’s preference to handle her

had planned to leave the Brooks family alone until

eager not to let well enough alone, he was ready to expedite their

really under the impression that he was just a figurehead

since she returned to the Brooks family, she’s been nothing but cold to us. Anything we do is wrong in her eyes, and she never shows

it into a farce. When her siblings took her to the gemstone

hospitality, but did it earn us

we haven’t been overly kind to Calista. Yet

as an elder to even speak? Why can’t I say you should learn from your mother? Vivienne, you simply do not measure up to your mother

chuckled. It was charming yet

seems the Brooks family has many unsettled scores. Thomas, bring over a couple of chairs. Vivienne and I will sit down

look at

place, Percival took Vivienne by the hand and sat down. Though seated, they exuded an aura of royalty that diminished the

over the Brooks family before settling on Judith.

not great with numbers, Mr. Wolf. You

“Very well.”

Judith. “Let’s start with the incident

a time when he would address the Brooks

they were no

twinge of unease

trying

said calmly. “I’m quite the mathematician, you know. Won the International Math Olympiad when I was sixteen.